I purchased this jacket after returning a Marmot Precip Plus jacket that lost its waterproofness and didn't breath. I have no regrets! I really love this jacket!! The North Face has produced an...Read complete review

I purchased this jacket after returning a Marmot Precip Plus jacket that lost its waterproofness and didn't breath. I have no regrets! I really love this jacket!! The North Face has produced an awesome lightweight high performance jacket in the Apex Bionic. It is now the only jacket I use (OK, I DO have a hooded shell I bought in CO that comes in handy on occasion) for all 4 seasons. It will sustain my body temp comfortably with standard base layers down to around 40 to 45 without much movement, and down to around 37-38 with activity like moderately-paced walking. When it's colder than that, I use a thin fleece as an underlayer, and I'm comfy down into the 20s with no problems.

It is the one piece of gear that has made the transition from fall to winter (I've historically hated walking in the cold) so much more bearable. This year, I was actually bummed that spring came to Virginia as early as it did. I now recommend this jacket as essential gear for outdoor fitness due to its performance, windproof/water resistant characteristics and lightweightness.

I did buy an XL - I am 5' 11" and weight 205 lbs, and it is just a bit big on me, but I did so knowing that I wanted the extra room from a fleece underneath. If you want a sleeker fit, I recommend buying a size smaller.

I've just washed it the first time (after 6 months of use) with minimal detergent and by itself and did have to retreat. I used a polymer spray (not silicone) - used both SofSole and Tectron spray. I understand that there is a product that you can add to the wash that aids in retreating the waterproofness made by Nikwax called Tech Wash. THUMBS UP NORTHFACE!

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

It's alright

This jacket does what it says very well. It blocks out almost all wind, and it is also quite waterproof. You will be dry unless water trickles down the neck or the sleeves....Read complete review

This jacket does what it says very well. It blocks out almost all wind, and it is also quite waterproof. You will be dry unless water trickles down the neck or the sleeves. For the most part, this jacket works quite well for what it is said to do.

However, there are still a few shortcomings to this jacket. First, is the fact that this jacket isn't very comfortable. It's a little stiff, and the material on the inside isn't exactly the softest thing in the world. Second, is the fact that this jacket isn't all that warm when you're standing. It's actually still relatively chilly in comparison with the other jackets.

That being said though, if you take this jacket and you're doing an activity, such as say, biking, you will be warm. The jacket is windproof, which also means it traps heat very well. In other words, so long as your body is generating heat, you will be warm. Otherwise, you will be cold.

If you combine this jacket with a pull over or a fleece, then this jacket is actually quite warm, and will get you through 40 degree days any day. I suspect that it will also get you through 20-30 degree days as well, as wind chill is practically unheard of with this jacket.

It's a great jacket. The build quality is good. It does what it is advertised to do well. Note that I believe the reason this jacket is cheaper than its competitors, is because this jacket is missing a lining.

I bought this jacket for my husband. He rarely wears a coat because they are too bulky; he wanted something lightweight. He loves this jacket. It is lightweight but warm enough that he has even worn it on 30 degree days with only a t-short underneath. Primaloft insulated keeps it warm but light. The jacket is also stylish enough that he can wear it casual or when he is dressed for going out.

I wear it for running outside. It has pockets to hold my keys and ID card. It keeps me warm in the cold yet is lightweight; only need to wear a sweater underneath while running. No problem with wind, and the zipper zips all the way up your neck.

Last year we went to NH wow it was freezing, 4 below with the windchill. I prepared myself to buy more clothing because all I had was this shell. I didn't need anything I was amazed I was so warm, but never hot. My hands and feet were frozen. Maybe they should make this into socks too. Best coat I have ever owned